Traditionally, Nganiyal (conical mats) were used as an insect screen when erected, and as a sitting mat when folded. They are used in Ceremony as well as a functional item.
Nowadays, artists weave many different shapes including flat, round and oblong.
Name: Evonne Munuyngu
Language: Mandhalpuy
Biography:
Born at Mirrngatja outstation on the Eastern edge of the Arafura Swamp and later moved to Galiwin’ku. Mununyngu married at an early age and moved to Galiwin’ku with her father. Her husband, an elder Rittharrngu man, died at Gapuwiyak (Lake Evella). They had no children.
At Galiwin’ku township she attended school at Shepherdson College, being taught by Kevin Rrurrmbu, Don Graham and Cindy Graham. She was a bright student and became fluent in English.
Before her mother died, she taught Munuyngu many things, especially how to weave a great range of fibre pieces.
After her father’s death (her husband had also died), she came to live at Ramingining to be near her brother and sisters.
Dhawurr/batjbarra fish trap Fish traps are placed into the river to face the oncoming fish. The woven tunnel traps the fish and prevents their escape. The traps are tapered so when they are submerged in the water, Read more…
Mapu (egg) hunting This is as ancient story about how Yolngu used to collect food. They would go out into the swamp in their bark canoes and collect all the magpie geese eggs. You Read more…
Raypiny Dhawu (Fresh Water Story) All Aboriginal people originate from a spiritual source, fixed in a particular place in their land or the sea. These ‘spiritual reservoirs’ are often in the form of special waterholes Read more…